PDW has opened Drone Factory 01 (DF01), a 90,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. DF01 supports large-scale production and exponentially increases PDW’s manufacturing capacity, reinforcing the company’s position as a leading provider of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
Purpose-built to support rapid iteration and full-rate production of the C100 multi-mission UAS and the AM-FPV attritable munition, DF01 meets rising demand from U.S. and allied forces. It brings the full production lifecycle of PDW’s products under one roof, from design and manufacturing to flight testing and delivery. The new facility vastly increases the company’s build rates and output capacity, enabling the production of 350 C100s and 5,000 AM-FPVs per month.
PDW’s C100, known for its modular architecture, enables interoperability with dozens of payloads to maximize reconnaissance, range, and impact. The company has received numerous contracts from the U.S. Army, including the Medium Range Reconnaissance (MRR) program and Transformation in Contact initiative. C100 also provides mission-critical capabilities for public safety operations, closing the preparedness gap and giving frontline forces an edge.
The state-of-the-art facility includes production at scale, materials management, and robust quality engineering capabilities. It also features 99.9% pathogen reduction via Lit Thinking’s Visium Far-UVC devices, ensuring DF01 is one of the cleanest drone manufacturing facilities in the world.
Ryan Gury, PDW CEO and co-founder, commented, “There is a national imperative and ethical duty to provide our warfighters and first responders with the most technologically advanced and operationally capable tools possible. This facility gives us the scale, speed, and control needed to deliver mission-critical systems ahead of the threat.“
“The ever-evolving battlefield and global threat landscape demand reliable multi-mission unmanned systems capable of rapid production at scale. Drone Factory 01 will allow us to produce these systems, deliver to operators in the field, and iterate as needed faster than ever before.”
Located in close proximity to the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal, PDW’s new facility will house the team delivering drones designed, engineered, and manufactured in America.
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle added, “PDW is an innovation engine for national defense and an economic catalyst for Huntsville. This expansion brings high-quality jobs, strengthens our advanced manufacturing sector, and reinforces Huntsville’s position as a strategic hub for defense and aerospace. We’re proud to have PDW growing here and contributing to our community’s future.”
With the establishment of DF01, PDW is introducing over 500 new jobs in the greater Huntsville area and reportedly spurring an economic impact totaling over $81 million per year.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey stated, “PDW’s new drone factory is a powerful example of Alabama’s ability to support cutting-edge manufacturing at the highest level. This facility in Huntsville will not only deliver critical technology to our nation’s warfighters and first responders, but it will also bring over 500 high-quality jobs and millions in economic impact to the community. Alabama is proud to stand alongside PDW as they advance innovation, strengthen our national defense and create opportunity for our people.”
PDW COO and President James Slider said, “Huntsville is more than our headquarters. It’s our edge. The innovation coming out of this city is reshaping the pace of defense manufacturing. We’re not reacting to demand; we’re setting the pace. This facility proves what’s possible when the right people are in the right place with the right mission.”
Gury continued, “Today is the day the least number of drones will exist in the world – it’s all growth from here. We’re confident that Drone Factory 01 will be a prominent contributor to the rapid production and adoption of small UAS on a global scale for both military and public safety operations. DF01 is just the beginning of PDW’s response to the national imperative to establish American drone dominance and we look forward to DF02 and beyond.”
